Innovation Providence Implementation Council

The Innovation Providence Implementation Council is charged with measuring progress and driving strategy surrounding the development of Rhode Island’s Knowledge Economy. In its leadership role, the group sets the action agenda for moving the Knowledge Economy forward; distributes grant funds through a formal process; and works help to jumpstart projects identified as promising economic opportunities that will expand key industries and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of the city and state.

The group is chaired by Connie Howes, president and CEO of Woman & Infants Hospital. Vice chairs are Bill Hatfield, market president of Bank of America-Rhode Island and Richard Spies, executive vice president at Brown University. The Council is comprised of leaders of colleges, universities, hospitals, state and city government, hospitals and businesses.